1.25.2016

I had my first Crafternoon of 2016 on Friday night. I partnered with the North Vancouver Community Arts Council for a Modern Macrame workshop as part of their Casual Friday Nights series on. We made macrame planters out of jute and thrift store finds then added gorgeous succulents.

1.24.2016

These guys ROCK! Every interaction I've had with RotoVision Books has been phenomenal. I've been in touch recently to work with them on posters for my upcoming book launch and author presentation. I feel so darn lucky I got to work with them on this whole book author adventure.

Today I just happened on their website and there I am... Well there 'Raw Crafts' is listed on their homepage. WOW! I'm just too legit to quit. I keep crossing my fingers AND toes that they ask me to work with them again.

Here's their offering of fashion and crafts books. Quite a collection and I am honoured to be part of their library of awesomeness.

1.17.2016

It seems so long ago that I was crafting like crazy for 'Raw Crafts' plus prepping for my wedding. Spring of 2015 was one jammed-packed time. And now the crafty book is out, it's time to set up some promo and celebrate all the awesomeness of being a first time author.

I've finalized a date for a book launch with the lovely peeps at the Book Warehouse on Main Street. The launch is Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm. Stay tuned for details! I'll be meeting and greeting, signing books and giving a demo. Hope to see you there!

And then I'll be giving an author presentation at the North Vancouver City Library on Tuesday, March 29th from 7pm to 8:30pm. Not sure what this entails but I'll come up with something! I hope to have books available for purchase that I can also sign. Super stoked to revel in the goodness of this crafty book adventure with my local crafters and makers. Visit www.nvcl.ca for more details.

I'll post more info as I get it... I'll come up with fun demos for both events and also hope to share other promo or crafty events related to 'Raw Crafts' in the next while. Exciting times!

I'm part of their Casual Friday Nights series. Find all their Adult Art Classes at www.nvartscouncil.ca/education/adults. Sign up for one, two or more. There's tons to choose from. Plus they're reasonable... My Modern Macramé class is $35 for two hours of crafting with materials supplied.

1.01.2016

Happy new year! Hope you had a great night closing out 2015 and welcoming 2016! 2015 ended on a high note with my hat trick. Super stoked for the possibilities ahead of me in 2016.

Here's my most liked photos from Instagram - my #2015bestnine. It's all about the wedding, the crafty book and getting crafty. Surprise surprise!

Meanwhile I put together my own #2015bestnine... Family, friends, adventuring, crafting and love. The most fulfilling moments have nothing to do with stuff or money but of experiences and connections. I am so grateful for the bad, the good and the unexpected.

I also celebrated my 8 month wedding anniversary with Roly - I in Vancouver, he in Havana. I never thought I'd get married so I'm savouring everything about this adventure. I love how surprising life can be... Maybe they'll be more random awesome events that happen in 2016. It'll definitely be a year filled with firsts - first Xmas together, first New Years together, etc. Bring it on!

In 2016 I want to build on 2015 successes and be fearless in creating opportunities for more awesomeness. I'm putting myself out there and maybe... just maybe... 2016 will kick 2015's butt. First attempt at fearlessness was seeing if 32 Books in Edgemont Village will partner with me on a crafty book event. They ordered in 'Raw Crafts' for a coworker and they're all about supporting local. So maybe we can do something kewl together. Fingers crossed!

Best wishes for a year that gives you everything you hoped for, surprises you with things you didn't know were possible and that makes you pause in awe of what you have and can accomplish. I'm letting my freak flag fly and being the best version of myself. Nothing less will due. Happy 2016!

Denise Corcoran (aka Thrifty By Design) is a local author, crafter, upcycler and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver, BC. Her passion is to turn 'junk' into new and funky pieces. She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating 'Crafternoons' throughout Vancouver.